Patterns and Autobiographies

Hi Parents,

For the past few weeks, the Kindergartens have been very busy learning about patterns in Math and beginning to create our autobiographies! 

For Patterns:

We have been exploring visual patterns, movement patterns, musical patterns, nature patterns, and more!

The students worked on creating various pattern trains with cubes. The students were given models, as well as criteria for examples and non-examples of patterns. We learned the following patterns: AB, AABB, ABC, and more!  The students were introduced the work: CORE, and many of them have become very good at identifying the core of a pattern. Here are some pictures of our work:

Ideas for extension at home:

-Look for patterns around the house and outdoors (i.e. on clothes, in books, nature, etc.)

-Create patterns with objects at home (i.e. cutlery, fruits, pasta, socks, colors)

-Read stories about patterns

Here is a story that you can read with your child and look at some patterns: 
PATTERN FISH:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_mqVCewsYA

For Autobiographies:

The students have learned two new big words: BIOGRAPHY and AUTOBIOGRAPHY. We learned how a biography is when someone writes a book about you, and an autobiography is when you write a book about yourself.

We looked at many different examples and through examining the pictures came to learn about why other individuals are special.

After this, we began talking about what makes each of us special. The students worked with a partner to share and draw a picture of something they love to do. We used whiteboards and markers for this task. We then came together as a class and made a list of all our unique interests. We introduced the terms “common interest” and “unique interest”.

We also spent some time talking about our body parts and how they help us do different activities that we love. The students worked as a group to draw everything they can do with their eyes, legs, arms, ears, brain, and mouth.

Next, the students had conversations with their families at home and brought in photos of their unique interests and talents. We used these photos to assist us in creating the first page in our own autobiography. The students became illustrators and authors to complete their work!

In order for the students to have an understanding of what was expected, we introduced “I CAN” statements. This helped guide our work and give the students clear expectations from our Kindergarten Program of Studies for the task.

I can draw a complete picture and use 3 or more colors.

I can copy a sentence starter.

I can add finger spaces.

I can include a period. 

Next up, we are sharing and learning all about our special families! We can't wait for our project to be completed so that we can share it with you!